UNFCCC documents relevant for REDD+

For ease of reference, the key decisions by the Conference of the Parties (COP) relevant for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD+) have been compiled into a decision booklet on REDD+. The booklet contains all decisions adopted between COP 13 and COP 21, including the Warsaw Framework for REDD+.

Links to the individual decisions in their original format can be found on the UNFCCC website. The UNFCCC website further contains links to other relevant UNFCCC documents related to REDD+, such as reports on workshops and expert meetings, technical papers and miscellaneous documents with submissions of views from Parties.

Acknowledging the contribution of the emissions from deforestation to global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions,

Acknowledging that forest degradation also leads to emissions, and needs to be addressed when reducing emissions from deforestation,

Recognizing that efforts and actions to reduce deforestation and to maintain and conserve forest carbon stocks in developing countries are already being taken,

Recognizing the complexity of the problem, different national circumstances and the multiple drivers of deforestation and forest degradation,

Recognizing the potential role of further actions to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries in helping to meet the ultimate objective of the Convention,

Affirming the urgent need to take further meaningful action to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries,

Noting that sustainable reduction in emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries requires stable and predictable availability of resources,

Recognizing that reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries can promote co-benefits and may complement the aims and objectives of other relevant international conventions and agreements,

Recognizing also that the needs of local and indigenous communities should be addressed when action is taken to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries,

1. Invites Parties to further strengthen and support ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation on a voluntary basis;

2. Encourages all Parties, in a position to do so, to support capacity-building, provide technical assistance, facilitate the transfer of technology to improve, inter alia, data collection, estimation of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, monitoring and reporting, and address the institutional needs of developing countries to estimate and reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation;

3. Further encourages Parties to explore a range of actions, identify options and undertake efforts, including demonstration activities, to address the drivers of deforestation relevant to their national circumstances, with a view to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and thus enhancing forest carbon stocks due to sustainable management of forests;

4. Encourages, without prejudice to future decisions of the Conference of the Parties, the use of the indicative guidance provided in the annex to this decision as an aid in undertaking and evaluating the range of demonstration activities;

5. Invites Parties, in particular Parties included in Annex II to the Convention, to mobilize resources to support efforts in relation to the actions referred to in paragraphs 1–3 above;

6. Encourages the use of the most recent reporting guidelines1 as a basis for reporting greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation, noting also that Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention are encouraged to apply the Good Practice Guidance for Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry;2

7. Requests the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice to undertake a programme of work on methodological issues related to a range of policy approaches and positive incentives that aim to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries noting relevant documents;3 the work should include:

​Inviting Parties to submit, by 21 March 2008, their views on how to address outstanding methodological issues including, inter alia, assessments of changes in forest cover and associated carbon stocks and greenhouse gas emissions, incremental changes due to sustainable management of the forest, demonstration of reductions in emissions from deforestation, including reference emissions levels, estimation and demonstration of reduction in emissions from forest degradation, implications of national and subnational approaches including displacement of emissions, options for assessing the effectiveness of actions in relation to paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 5 above, and criteria for evaluating actions, to be compiled into a miscellaneous document for consideration by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice at its twenty-eighth session;

Requesting the secretariat, subject to availability of supplementary funding, to organize a workshop on methodological issues identified in paragraph 7 (a) above, before its twenty-ninth session, and to prepare a report on the workshop for consideration by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice at that session;

Advancing the development of methodological approaches, taking into account the outcome of the workshop referred to in paragraph 7 (b) above at its twenty-ninth session;

8. Requests the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice to report to the Conference of the Parties, at its fourteenth session, on the outcomes of the work referred to in paragraph 7 (a)–(c) above, including any recommendations on possible methodological approaches;

9. Invites relevant organizations and stakeholders, without prejudice to any future decision of the Conference of the Parties on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, to support efforts in relation to paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 5 above and to share outcomes of these efforts with the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice by providing corresponding information to the secretariat;

10. Requests the secretariat to support, subject to the availability of supplementary funding, the activities of all Parties, in particular developing countries, in relation to paragraphs 3, 5, 7 and 9 above, by developing a Web platform where information submitted by Parties, relevant organizations and stakeholders will be made available;

11. Notes the further consideration, under decision 1/CP.13, of policy approaches and positive incentives on issues relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries; and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries;

12. Notes further that when addressing policy approaches and positive incentives on issues relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, the efforts described in paragraph 3 above should be considered.

1 At the time of this decision, the most recent reporting guidelines for national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention are found in decision 17/CP.8.

2 Decision 13/CP.9.

3 FCCC/SBSTA/2006/10, FCCC/SBSTA/2007/3, FCCC/SBSTA/2007/MISC.2 and Add.1, FCCC/SBSTA/2007/MISC.14 and Add. 1–3; and the background paper prepared for the workshop on reducing emissions from deforestation held in Rome, Italy, from 30 August to 1 September 2006, available at <http://unfccc.int/methods_and_science/lulucf/items/3757.php>.

ANNEX

Indicative guidance
1. Demonstration activities should be undertaken with the approval of the host Party.
2. Estimates of reductions or increases of emissions should be results based, demonstrable, transparent and verifiable, and estimated consistently over time.
3. The use of the methodologies described in paragraph 6 of this decision is encouraged as a basis for estimating and monitoring emissions.
4. Emission reductions from national demonstration activities should be assessed on the basis of national emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
5. Subnational demonstration activities should be assessed within the boundary used for the demonstration, and assessed for associated displacement of emissions.
6. Reductions in emissions or increases resulting from the demonstration activity should be based on historical emissions, taking into account national circumstances.
7. Subnational1 approaches, where applied, should constitute a step towards the development of national approaches, reference levels and estimates.
8. Demonstration activities should be consistent with sustainable forest management, noting, inter alia, the relevant provisions of the United Nations Forum on Forests, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
9. Experiences in implementing activities should be reported and made available via the Web platform.2
10. Reporting on demonstration activities should include a description of the activities and their effectiveness, and may include other information.
11. Independent expert review is encouraged.8th plenary meeting
14–15 December 2007

1 Activities carried out within the national boundary.

2 To be developed by the secretariat as referred to in paragraph 10 of this decision.

Decision 4/CP.15

Methodological guidance for activities relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decisions 1/CP.13 and 2/CP.13,

Acknowledging the importance of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries,

Noting the progress made by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice in its programme of work on methodological issues related to a range of policy approaches and positive incentives,

Also noting the range of ongoing activities and cooperative efforts being undertaken by Parties and international organizations, in accordance with decision 2/CP.13, paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 5,

Recognizing the need for full and effective engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities in, and the potential contribution of their knowledge to, monitoring and reporting of activities relating to decision 1/CP.13, paragraph 1 (b) (iii),

Recognizing the importance of promoting sustainable management of forests and co-benefits, including biodiversity, that may complement the aims and objectives of national forest programmes and relevant international conventions and agreements,

Noting experiences and lessons learned from ongoing activities and efforts in capacity-building, testing methodologies and monitoring approaches, and a range of policy approaches and positive incentives, including those guided by the indicative guidance contained in the annex to decision 2/CP.13,

1. Requests developing country Parties, on the basis of work conducted on the methodological issues set out in decision 2/CP.13, paragraphs 7 and 11, to take the following guidance into account for activities relating to decision 2/CP.13, and without prejudging any further relevant decisions of the Conference of the Parties, in particular those relating to measurement and reporting:

To identify drivers of deforestation and forest degradation resulting in emissions and also the means to address these;

To identify activities within the country that result in reduced emissions and increased removals, and stabilization of forest carbon stocks;

To use the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change guidance and guidelines, as adopted or encouraged by the Conference of the Parties, as appropriate, as a basis for estimating anthropogenic forest-related greenhouse gas emissions by sources and removals by sinks, forest carbon stocks and forest area changes;

To establish, according to national circumstances and capabilities, robust and transparent national forest1 monitoring systems and, if appropriate, sub-national systems as part of national monitoring systems that:

Use a combination of remote sensing and ground-based forest carbon inventory approaches for estimating, as appropriate, anthropogenic forest-related greenhouse gas emissions by sources and removals by sinks, forest carbon stocks and forest area changes;

Provide estimates that are transparent, consistent, as far as possible accurate, and that reduce uncertainties, taking into account national capabilities and capacities;

Are transparent and their results are available and suitable for review as agreed by the Conference of the Parties;

2. Recognizes that further work may need to be undertaken by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in accordance with any relevant decisions by the Conference of the Parties;

3. Encourages, as appropriate, the development of guidance for effective engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities in monitoring and reporting;

4. Encourages all Parties in a position to do so to support and strengthen the capacities of developing countries to collect and access, analyse and interpret data, in order to develop estimates;

5. Invites Parties in a position to do so and relevant international organizations to enhance capacity-building in relation to using the guidance and guidelines referred in to paragraph 1 (c) above, taking into account the work of the Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention;

6. Requests the secretariat, subject to availability of supplementary funding, to enhance coordination of the activities referred to in paragraph 5 above, in the context of existing initiatives;

7. Recognizes that developing country Parties in establishing forest reference emission levels and forest reference levels should do so transparently taking into account historic data, and adjust for national circumstances, in accordance with relevant decisions of the Conference of the Parties;

8. Invites Parties to share lessons learned and experiences gained in the application of the guidance referred to in paragraph 1 above and the annex to decision 2/CP.13 through the web platform on the UNFCCC website;

9. Urges relevant international organizations, non-governmental organizations and stakeholders to integrate and coordinate their efforts in order to avoid duplication and enhance synergy with regard to activities relating to decision 2/CP.13.9th plenary meeting
18–19 December 2009

1 Taking note of, if appropriate, the guidance on consistent representation of land in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Good Practice Guidance for Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry.

Decision 1/CP.16

The Cancun Agreements: Outcome of the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention

This section on REDD+ is an excerpt from decision 1/CP.16

C. Policy approaches and positive incentives on issues relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries; and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stock

Affirming that, in the context of the provision of adequate and predictable support to developing country Parties, Parties should collectively aim to slow, halt and reverse forest cover and carbon loss, in accordance with national circumstances, consistent with the ultimate objective of the Convention, as stated in Article 2,

Also affirming the need to promote broad country participation in all phases described in paragraph 73 below, including through the provision of support that takes into account existing capacities,

68. Encourages all Parties to find effective ways to reduce the human pressure on forests that results in greenhouse gas emissions, including actions to address drivers of deforestation;

69. Affirms that the implementation of the activities referred to in paragraph 70 below should be carried out in accordance with appendix I to this decision, and that the safeguards referred to in paragraph 2 of appendix I to this decision should be promoted and supported;

70. Encourages developing country Parties to contribute to mitigation actions in the forest sector by undertaking the following activities, as deemed appropriate by each Party and in accordance with their respective capabilities and national circumstances:

Reducing emissions from deforestation;

Reducing emissions from forest degradation;

Conservation of forest carbon stocks;

Sustainable management of forests;

Enhancement of forest carbon stocks;

71. Requests developing country Parties aiming to undertake the activities referred to in paragraph 70 above, in the context of the provision of adequate and predictable support, including financial resources and technical and technological support to developing country Parties, in accordance with national circumstances and respective capabilities, to develop the following elements:

A national strategy or action plan;

A national forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level6 or, if appropriate, as an interim measure, subnational forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels, in accordance with national circumstances, and with provisions contained in decision 4/CP.15, and with any further elaboration of those provisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties;

A robust and transparent national forest monitoring system for the monitoring and reporting of the activities referred to in paragraph 70 above, with, if appropriate, subnational monitoring and reporting as an interim measure,7 in accordance with national circumstances, and with the provisions contained in decision 4/CP.15, and with any further elaboration of those provisions agreed by the Conference of the Parties;

A system for providing information on how the safeguards referred to in appendix I to this decision are being addressed and respected throughout the implementation of the activities referred to in paragraph 70 above, while respecting sovereignty;

72. Also requests developing country Parties, when developing and implementing their national strategies or action plans, to address, inter alia, the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, land tenure issues, forest governance issues, gender considerations and the safeguards identified in paragraph 2 of appendix I to this decision, ensuring the full and effective participation of relevant stakeholders, inter alia indigenous peoples and local communities;

73. Decides that the activities undertaken by Parties referred to in paragraph 70 above should be implemented in phases, beginning with the development of national strategies or action plans, policies and measures, and capacity-building, followed by the implementation of national policies and measures and national strategies or action plans that could involve further capacity-building, technology development and transfer and results-based demonstration activities, and evolving into results-based actions that should be fully measured, reported and verified;

74. Recognizes that the implementation of the activities referred to in paragraph 70 above, including the choice of a starting phase as referred to in paragraph 73 above, depends on the specific national circumstances, capacities and capabilities of each developing country Party and the level of support received;

75. Requests the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice to develop a work programme on the matters referred to in appendix II to this decision;

76. Urges Parties, in particular developed country Parties, to support, through multilateral and bilateral channels, the development of national strategies or action plans, policies and measures and capacity-building, followed by the implementation of national policies and measures and national strategies or action plans that could involve further capacity-building, technology development and transfer and results-based demonstration activities, including consideration of the safeguards referred to in paragraph 2 of appendix I to this decision, taking into account the relevant provisions on finance including those relating to reporting on support;

77. Requests the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention to explore financing options for the full implementation of the results-based actions8 referred to in paragraph 73 above and to report on progress made, including any recommendations for draft decisions on this matter, to the Conference of the Parties at its seventeenth session;

78. Also requests Parties to ensure coordination of the activities referred to in paragraph 70 above, including of the related support, particularly at the national level;

79. Invites relevant international organizations and stakeholders to contribute to the activities referred to in paragraphs 70 and 78 above;

7 Including monitoring and reporting of emissions displacement at the national level, if appropriate, and reporting on how displacement of emissions is being addressed, and on the means to integrate subnational monitoring systems into a national monitoring system.

8 These actions require national monitoring systems.

Appendix I

Guidance and safeguards for policy approaches and positive incentives on issues relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries; and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries

1. The activities referred to in paragraph 70 of this decision should:

Contribute to the achievement of the objective set out in Article 2 of the Convention;

Contribute to the fulfilment of the commitments set out in Article 4, paragraph 3, of the Convention;

Be country-driven and be considered options available to Parties;

Be consistent with the objective of environmental integrity and take into account the multiple functions of forests and other ecosystems;

Be undertaken in accordance with national development priorities, objectives and circumstances and capabilities and should respect sovereignty;

Be consistent with Parties’ national sustainable development needs and goals;

Be implemented in the context of sustainable development and reducing poverty, while responding to climate change;

Be consistent with the adaptation needs of the country;

Be supported by adequate and predictable financial and technology support, including support for capacity-building;

Be results-based;

Promote sustainable management of forests;

2. When undertaking the activities referred to in paragraph 70 of this decision, the following safeguards should be promoted and supported:

That actions complement or are consistent with the objectives of national forest programmes and relevant international conventions and agreements;

Transparent and effective national forest governance structures, taking into account national legislation and sovereignty;

Respect for the knowledge and rights of indigenous peoples and members of local communities, by taking into account relevant international obligations, national circumstances and laws, and noting that the United Nations General Assembly has adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;

The full and effective participation of relevant stakeholders, in particular indigenous peoples and local communities, in the actions referred to in paragraphs 70 and 72 of this decision;

That actions are consistent with the conservation of natural forests and biological diversity, ensuring that the actions referred to in paragraph 70 of this decision are not used for the conversion of natural forests, but are instead used to incentivize the protection and conservation of natural forests and their ecosystem services, and to enhance other social and environmental benefits;1

Actions to address the risks of reversals;

Actions to reduce displacement of emissions.

Appendix II

Work programme of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice on policy approaches and positive incentives on issues relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries; and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries

In the development of its work programme, the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice is requested to:

Identify land use, land-use change and forestry activities in developing countries, in particular those that are linked to the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, identify the associated methodological issues to estimate emissions and removals resulting from these activities, and assess the potential contribution of these activities to the mitigation of climate change, and report on the findings and outcomes of this work to the Conference of the Parties (COP) at its eighteenth session on the outcomes of the work referred to in this paragraph;

Develop modalities relating to paragraphs 71 (b) and (c) and guidance relating to paragraph 71 (d) of this decision, for consideration by the COP at its seventeenth session;

Develop, as necessary, modalities for measuring, reporting and verifying anthropogenic forest-related emissions by sources and removals by sinks, forest carbon stocks, and forest carbon stock and forest-area changes resulting from the implementation of the activities referred to in paragraph 70 of this decision, consistent with any guidance on measuring, reporting and verifying nationally appropriate mitigation actions by developing country Parties agreed by the COP, taking into account methodological guidance in accordance with decision 4/CP.15, for consideration by the COP at its seventeenth session.

1 Taking into account the need for sustainable livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities and their interdependence on forests in most countries, reflected in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as the International Mother Earth Day.

Decision 2/CP.17

Outcome of the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention

This section on REDD+ is an excerpt from decision 2/CP.17

C. Policy approaches and positive incentives on issues relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries; and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stock

Recalling the principles and provisions set forth in decision 1/CP.16 and its appendices I and II on policy approaches and positive incentives on issues relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries,

Also recalling decisions 1/CP.13, 2/CP.13, 4/CP.15 and 12/CP.17,

Further recalling decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 68–74 and 76–78,

Reaffirming that, in the context of the provision of adequate and predictable support to developing country Parties, Parties should collectively aim to slow, halt and reverse forest cover and carbon loss, in accordance with national circumstances, consistent with the ultimate objective of the Convention, as stated in its Article 2,

Also reaffirming decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, paragraph 1,

Affirming that efforts are already being made and actions being taken to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and to maintain and enhance forest carbon stocks in developing countries,

Recognizing the importance of effective and continuing support for the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 73 and 76,

Also recognizing that policy approaches and positive incentives for mitigation actions in the forest sector, as referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, can promote poverty alleviation and biodiversity benefits, ecosystem resilience and the linkages between adaptation and mitigation, and should promote and support the safeguards referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix 1, paragraph 2(c–e),

Being aware of the relevance of the work being undertaken by relevant international conventions and agreements,

63. Agrees that, regardless of the source or type of financing, the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, should be consistent with the relevant provisions included in decision 1/CP.16, including the safeguards in its appendix I, in accordance with relevant decisions of the Conference of the Parties;

64. Recalls that for developing country Parties undertaking the results-based actions1 referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 73 and 77, to obtain and receive results-based finance, these actions should be fully measured, reported and verified,2 and developing country Parties should have the elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71, in accordance with any decisions taken by the Conference of the Parties on this matter;

65. Agrees that results-based finance provided to developing country Parties that is new, additional and predictable may come from a wide variety of sources, public and private, bilateral and multilateral, including alternative sources;

66. Considers that, in the light of the experience gained from current and future demonstration activities, appropriate market-based approaches could be developed by the Conference of the Parties to support the results-based actions by developing country Parties referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 73, ensuring that environmental integrity is preserved, that the provisions of decision 1/CP.16, appendices I and II, are fully respected, and should be consistent with the relevant provisions of decisions 1/CP.16 and 12/CP.17 and any future decision by the Conference of the Parties on these matters;

67. Notes that non-market-based approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests as a non-market alternative that supports and strengthens governance, the application of safeguards as referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, paragraph 2(c–e), and the multiple functions of forests, could be developed;

68. Encourages the operating entities of the financial mechanism of the Convention to provide results-based finance for the actions referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 73;

69. Invites Parties and admitted observer organizations to submit to the secretariat, by 5 March 2012, their views on modalities and procedures for financing results-based actions and considering activities related to decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 68–70 and 72;

70. Requests the secretariat to compile the submissions by Parties into a miscellaneous document for consideration by the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention at its session to be held in conjunction with the thirty-sixth session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice;

71. Also requests the secretariat to prepare, subject to the availability of supplementary resources, a technical paper, based on submissions by Parties and admitted observer organizations on the issues referred to in paragraphs 69 and 70 above, as an input for the workshop referred to in paragraph 72 below;

72. Further requests the secretariat to organize, subject to the availability of supplementary resources, a workshop taking into account the submissions by Parties and admitted observer organizations referred to in paragraph 69 above, the technical paper referred to in paragraph 71 above, and the conclusions on this matter by the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention at its session to be held in conjunction with the thirty-sixth session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, before the session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention to be held in conjunction with the eighteenth session of the Conference of the Parties;

73. Requests the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention to consider the submissions by Parties and admitted observer organizations referred to in paragraph 69 above, the technical paper referred to in paragraph 71 above and the report on the outcomes of the workshop referred to in paragraph 72 above with the aim of reporting on progress made and any recommendations to the Conference of the Parties at its eighteenth session.10th plenary meeting
11 December 2011

1 In accordance with decision 1/CP.16, appendix II.2 As agreed by the Conference of the Parties.

Decision 12/CP.17

Guidance on systems for providing information on how safeguards are addressed and respected and modalities relating to forest reference emission levels and forest reference levels as referred to in decision 1/CP.16

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decisions 2/CP.13, 4/CP.15 and 1/CP.16,

Recalling also decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 69–71 and appendices I and II,

Noting that guidance on systems for providing information on how safeguards referred to in appendix I to decision 1/CP.16 are addressed and respected should be consistent with national sovereignty, national legislation and national circumstances,

Recognizing the importance and necessity of adequate and predictable financial and technology support for developing all of the elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71,

Being aware of the need for any modalities for the construction of forest reference levels and forest emission reference levels to be flexible so as to accommodate national circumstances and capabilities, while pursuing environmental integrity and avoiding perverse incentives,

I. Guidance on systems for providing information on how safeguards are addressed and respected

1. Notes that the implementation of the safeguards referred to in appendix I to decision 1/CP.16, and information on how these safeguards are being addressed and respected, should support national strategies or action plans and be included in, where appropriate, all phases of implementation referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 73, of the activities referred to in paragraph 70 of the same decision;

2. Agrees that systems for providing information on how the safeguards referred to in appendix I to decision 1/CP.16 are addressed and respected should, taking into account national circumstances and respective capabilities, and recognizing national sovereignty and legislation, and relevant international obligations and agreements, and respecting gender considerations:

Be consistent with the guidance identified in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, paragraph 1;

Provide transparent and consistent information that is accessible by all relevant stakeholders and updated on a regular basis;

Be transparent and flexible to allow for improvements over time;

Provide information on how all of the safeguards referred to in appendix I to decision 1/CP.16 are being addressed and respected;

Be country-driven and implemented at the national level;

Build upon existing systems, as appropriate;

3. Agrees also that developing country Parties undertaking the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, should provide a summary of information on how all of the safeguards referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, are being addressed and respected throughout the implementation of the activities;

4. Decides that the summary of information referred to in paragraph 3 above should be provided periodically and be included in national communications, consistent with relevant decisions of the Conference of the Parties on guidelines on national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention, or communication channels agreed by the Conference of the Parties;

5. Requests the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, at its thirty-sixth session, to consider the timing of the first presentation and the frequency of subsequent presentations of the summary of information referred to in paragraph 3 above, with a view to recommending a decision on this matter for adoption by the Conference of the Parties at its eighteenth session;

6. Also requests the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, at its thirty-sixth session, to consider the need for further guidance to ensure transparency, consistency, comprehensiveness and effectiveness when informing on how all safeguards are addressed and respected and, if appropriate, to consider additional guidance, and to report to the Conference of the Parties at its eighteenth session;

9. Invites Parties to submit information and rationale on the development of their forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels, including details of national circumstances and if adjusted include details on how the national circumstances were considered, in accordance with the guidelines contained in the annex to this decision and any future decision by the Conference of the Parties;

11. Acknowledges that subnational forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels may be elaborated as an interim measure, while transitioning to a national forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level, and that interim forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels of a Party may cover less than its entire national territory of forest area;

12. Agrees that a developing country Party should update a forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level periodically as appropriate, taking into account new knowledge, new trends and any modification of scope and methodologies;

15. Agrees to establish a process that enables technical assessment of the proposed forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels when submitted or updated by Parties in accordance with paragraph 12 above and in accordance with guidance to be developed by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice at its thirty-sixth session.

1 <http://unfccc.int/4531>.

Annex

Guidelines for submissions of information on reference levels

Each developing country Party aiming to undertake the actions listed in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, should include in its submission information that is transparent, complete,1 consistent with guidance agreed by the Conference of the Parties (COP) and accurate information for the purpose of allowing a technical assessment of the data, methodologies and procedures used in the construction of a forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level. The information provided should be guided by the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change guidance and guidelines, as adopted or encouraged by the COP, as appropriate, and include:

Information that was used by Parties in constructing a forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level, including historical data, in a comprehensive and transparent way;

Transparent, complete, consistent and accurate information, including methodological information, used at the time of construction of forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels, including, inter alia, as appropriate, a description of data sets, approaches, methods, models, if applicable and assumptions used, descriptions of relevant policies and plans, and descriptions of changes from previously submitted information;

Pools and gases, and activities listed in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, which have been included in forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels and the reasons for omitting a pool and/or activity from the construction of forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels, noting that significant pools and/or activities should not be excluded;

The definition of forest used in the construction of forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels and, if appropriate, in case there is a difference with the definition of forest used in the national greenhouse gas inventory or in reporting to other international organizations, an explanation of why and how the definition used in the construction of forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels was chosen.10th plenary meeting
9 December 2011

C. Policy approaches and positive incentives on issues relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries; and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stock

25. Decides to undertake a work programme on results-based finance in 2013, including two in-session workshops, subject to the availability of supplementary resources, to progress the full implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70;

26. Invites the President of the Conference of the Parties to appoint two co-chairs, one from a developing country Party and one from a developed country Party, for the work programme mentioned in paragraph 25 above;

27. Requests the secretariat to assist the co-chairs in supporting the workshops mentioned in paragraph 25 above;

28. Decides that the aim of the work programme is to contribute to the ongoing efforts to scale up and improve the effectiveness of finance for the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, taking into account decision 2/CP.17, paragraphs 66 and 67;

29. Also decides that the work programme will address options to achieve this objective, taking into account a wide variety of sources as referred to in decision 2/CP.17, paragraph 65, including:

Ways and means to transfer payments for results-based actions;

Ways to incentivize non-carbon benefits;

Ways to improve the coordination of results-based finance;

30. Agrees that the work programme will draw upon relevant sources of information and will also take into account lessons learned from other processes under the Convention and from fast-start finance;

31. Requests the co-chairs, supported by the secretariat, to coordinate the activities of the work programme with the work under the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice related to methodological guidance for activities relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries;

32. Also requests the co-chairs, supported by the secretariat, to prepare a report on the workshops referred to in paragraph 25 above for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its nineteenth session, with a view to the Conference of the Parties adopting a decision on this matter;

33. Decides that the work programme shall end by the nineteenth session of the Conference of the Parties unless the Conference of the Parties decides otherwise;

34. Recognizes the need to improve the coordination of support for the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, and to provide adequate and predictable support, including financial resources and technical and technological support, to developing country Parties for implementation of those activities;

35. Requests the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, at their thirty-eighth sessions, to jointly initiate a process with the aim of addressing the matters outlined in paragraph 34 above, and to consider existing institutional arrangements or potential governance alternatives including a body, a board or a committee, and to make recommendations on these matters to the Conference of the Parties at its nineteenth session;

36. Invites Parties and admitted observer organizations to submit to the secretariat, by 25 March 2013, their views on the matters referred to in paragraphs 34 and 35 above, including potential functions, and modalities and procedures;

37. Requests the secretariat to compile the submissions from Parties referred to in paragraph 36 above into a miscellaneous document for consideration by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation at their thirty-eighth sessions;

38. Also requests the secretariat to organize, subject to the availability of supplementary resources, an in-session workshop at the thirty-eighth sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation on the matters referred to in paragraphs 34 and 35 above, taking into account the submissions referred to in paragraph 36 above, and to prepare a report on the workshop for consideration by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation at their thirty-ninth sessions;

39. Requests the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, at its thirty-eighth session, to consider how non-market-based approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests, as referred to in decision 2/CP.17, paragraph 67, could be developed to support the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, and to report on this matter to the Conference of the Parties at its nineteenth session;

40. Also requests the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, at its thirty-eighth session, to initiate work on methodological issues related to non-carbon benefits resulting from the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, and to report on this matter to the Conference of the Parties at its nineteenth session;9th plenary meeting
7 December 2012

Decision 9/CP.19*

Work programme on results-based finance to progress the full implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70

Reaffirming that, in the context of the provision of adequate and predictable support to developing country Parties, Parties should collectively aim to slow, halt and reverse forest cover and carbon loss, in accordance with national circumstances, consistent with the ultimate objective of the Convention, as stated in its Article 2,

Recognizing the importance and necessity of adequate and predictable financial and technology support for developing all of the elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71,

Also recognizing the need to scale up and improve the effectiveness of finance for the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, taking into account decision 2/CP.17, paragraphs 66 and 67,

Further recognizing the key role that the Green Climate Fund will play in channelling financial resources to developing countries and catalysing climate finance,

1. Reaffirms that results-based finance provided to developing country Parties for the full implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, that is new, additional and predictable may come from a variety of sources, public and private, bilateral and multilateral, including alternative sources, as referred to in decision 2/CP.17, paragraph 65;

2. Also reaffirms that the progression of developing country Parties towards results-based actions occurs in the context of the provision of adequate and predictable support for all phases of the actions and activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 70 and 73;

3. Recalls that for developing country Parties undertaking the results-based actions referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 73, to obtain and receive results-based finance, those actions should be fully measured, reported and verified, in accordance with decisions 13/CP.19 and 14/CP.19, and developing country Parties should have all of the elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71, in place, in accordance with decisions 12/CP.17 and 11/CP.19;

4. Agrees that developing countries seeking to obtain and receive results-based payments in accordance with decision 2/CP.17, paragraph 64, should provide the most recent summary of information on how all of the safeguards referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, paragraph 2, have been addressed and respected before they can receive results-based payments;

5. Encourages entities financing the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, through the wide variety of sources referred to in decision 2/CP.17, paragraph 65, including the Green Climate Fund in a key role, to collectively channel adequate and predictable results-based finance in a fair and balanced manner, taking into account different policy approaches, while working with a view to increasing the number of countries that are in a position to obtain and receive payments for results-based actions;

6. Also encourages the entities referred to in paragraph 5 above, when providing results-based finance, to apply the methodological guidance consistent with decisions 4/CP.15, 1/CP.16, 2/CP.17, 12/CP.17 and 11/CP.19 to 15/CP.19, as well as this decision, in order to improve the effectiveness and coordination of results-based finance;

7. Requests the Green Climate Fund, when providing results-based finance, to apply the methodological guidance consistent with decisions 4/CP.15, 1/CP.16, 2/CP.17, 12/CP.17 and 11/CP.19 to 15/CP.19, as well as this decision, in order to improve the effectiveness and coordination of results-based finance;

8. Encourages entities financing the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, through the wide variety of sources referred to in decision 2/CP.17, paragraph 65, to continue to provide financial resources to alternative policy approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests;

9. Decides to establish an information hub on the web platform on the UNFCCC website1 as a means to publish information on the results of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, and corresponding results-based payments;

10. Notes that the information hub aims to increase transparency of information on results-based actions, on the corresponding payments, as well as information related to the elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71, without creating additional requirements for developing country Parties;

11. Decides that the information hub will contain, as reported through the appropriate channels under the Convention:

The results for each relevant period expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year and a link to the technical report referred to in decision 14/CP.19, paragraph 14;

The assessed forest reference emission level(s) and/or forest reference level(s) expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year and a link to the final report of the technical assessment team referred to in decision 13/CP.19, paragraph 18;

The summary of information on how all of the safeguards referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, are being addressed and respected, as referred to in decisions 12/CP.19 and 12/CP.17, chapter I;

A link to the national strategy or action plan as referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71(a), as appropriate;

Information on the national forest monitoring system, as provided in the technical annex referred to in decision 14/CP.19;

12. Also decides that the information hub will also contain information on each of the results referred to in paragraph 11 above, including the quantity of results for which payments were received, expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, and the entity paying for results;

13. Agrees that the information on results-based payments is to be inserted on the information hub in consultation with the developing country Party concerned, taking into full account decision 10/CP.19, paragraph 2;

14. Requests the secretariat to insert the information referred to in paragraph 11(a–e) above on the information hub once all of the information is available through the appropriate channels under the Convention, and to also insert the information referred to in paragraph 12 above;

15. Also requests the secretariat to organize, subject to the availability of supplementary resources, an expert meeting on the matters referred to in paragraphs 11–13 above as well as on a format for the insertion of the information referred to in paragraph 12 above before the forty-first session of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (December 2014), and to prepare a report on that expert meeting for consideration by the Subsidiary Body for Implementation at its forty-first session;

16. Notes that the insertion of results on the information hub does not create any rights or obligations for any Party or other entity;

17. Also notes that the information on results included on the information hub should be linked to the same results reflected on any other relevant future system that may be developed under the Convention;

18. Further notes that nothing under this decision and its implementation prejudges any future decision with regard to the eligibility or non-eligibility of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, to the mechanism defined in decision 2/CP.17, paragraph 83, or to the outcome of the work programme referred to in decision 1/CP.18, paragraph 44;

19. Requests the secretariat to improve and further develop the web platform on the UNFCCC website to include the information referred to in paragraphs 11 and 12 above, and to make the information available in a simple, transparent and easily accessible manner;

20. Also requests the Standing Committee on Finance, noting the urgencies of these issues, and the request to the Standing Committee on Finance to consider, in its work on coherence and coordination, inter alia, the issue of financing for forests, taking into account different policy approaches, to focus its soonest possible forum on issues related to finance for forests, including the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, inter alia:

Ways and means to transfer payments for results-based actions as referred to in decision 1/CP.18, paragraph 29;

The provision of financial resources for alternative approaches;

21. Further requests the Standing Committee on Finance to invite experts on the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, to the forum referred to in paragraph 20 above;

22. Recognizes the importance of incentivizing non-carbon benefits for the long-term sustainability of the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, and noting the work on methodological issues referred to in decision 1/CP.18, paragraph 40;

23. Takes note of the estimated budgetary implications of the activities to be undertaken by the secretariat as referred to in paragraphs 14, 15 and 19 above;

24. Requests that the actions of the secretariat called for in this decision be undertaken subject to the availability of financial resources.10th plenary meeting
22 November 2013

* This decision forms part of the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus. For more information, see document FCCC/CP/2013/10, paragraph 44.1 <http://unfccc.int/redd>.

Decision 10/CP.19*

Coordination of support for the implementation of activities in relation to mitigation actions in the forest sector by developing countries, including institutional arrangements

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decisions 1/CP.16, 2/CP.17 and 1/CP.18,

Noting the outcomes of the process as referred to in decision 1/CP.18, paragraphs 34 and 35,

Recognizing the need for adequate and predictable support for the implementation of the activities and elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 70, 71 and 73,

Also recognizing the need for effective and transparent coordination of support for the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70,

1. Invites interested Parties to designate, in accordance with national circumstances and the principles of sovereignty, a national entity or focal point to serve as a liaison with the secretariat and the relevant bodies under the Convention, as appropriate, on the coordination of support for the full implementation of activities and elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 70, 71 and 73, including different policy approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation, and to inform the secretariat accordingly;

2. Notes that the national entities or focal points of developing country Parties may, in accordance with national circumstances and the principles of sovereignty, nominate their entities to obtain and receive results-based payments, consistent with any specific operational modalities of the financing entities providing them with support for the full implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70;

3. Recognizes that in order to address issues related to the coordination of support for the implementation of the activities and elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 70, 71 and 73, needs and functions were identified:

Strengthen, consolidate and enhance the sharing of relevant information, knowledge, experiences and good practices, at the international level, taking into account national experiences and, as appropriate, traditional knowledge and practices;

Identify and consider possible needs and gaps in coordination of support, taking into consideration relevant information communicated under the Convention and other multilateral and bilateral arrangements;

Consider and provide opportunities to exchange information between the relevant bodies established under the Convention and other multilateral and bilateral entities financing and funding the activities and elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 70, 71 and 73, related to actions and support provided and received for these activities;

Provide information and any recommendations, as appropriate, considering the elements contained in paragraph 3(a–c) above, to improve the effectiveness of finance, including results-based finance, technology and capacity-building for developing country Parties when implementing the activities and elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 70, 71 and 73, to the Conference of the Parties;

Provide information and recommendations, as appropriate, on improving the effectiveness of finance to entities including bilateral, multilateral and private sector entities that finance and implement the activities and elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 70, 71 and 73, and on how these activities, including results-based actions, can be more effectively supported;

Encourage other entities providing support for the activities and elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 70, 71 and 73, to enhance efficiency and coordination and to seek consistency with the operating entities of the financial mechanism of the Convention, as appropriate;

Exchange information on the development of different approaches, including joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests;

4. Encourages national entities or focal points, Parties and relevant entities financing the activities referred to in decision 1/CP. 16, paragraph 70, to meet on a voluntary basis, in conjunction with the first sessional period meetings of the subsidiary bodies, in order to discuss the needs and functions identified in paragraph 3 above;

5. Also encourages these national entities or focal points, Parties and relevant entities referred to in paragraph 4 above to hold their first meeting in conjunction with the second sessional period meetings of the subsidiary bodies in 2014 and thereafter annually in conjunction with the first sessional period meetings of the subsidiary bodies;

6. Requests the secretariat to facilitate the organization of the meetings referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5 above, beginning, if possible, in conjunction with the forty-first sessions of the subsidiary bodies (December 2014);

7. Encourages national entities or focal points, Parties and relevant entities financing the activities referred to in paragraph 4 above at their first meeting to consider procedural matters to facilitate the discussions;

8. Decides that at the meetings referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5 above, participants may seek input from relevant bodies established under the Convention, international and regional organizations, the private sector, indigenous peoples and civil society in undertaking their work and invite the representatives of these entities to participate as observers in these meetings;

9. Requests the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, at the latest, at its forty-seventh session (November–December 2017) to review the outcomes of the meetings referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5 above, to consider existing institutional arrangements or the need for potential governance alternatives for the coordination of support for the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, and to make recommendations on these matters to the Conference of the Parties at its twenty-third session (November–December 2017);

10. Agrees to conclude at this session the joint work of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, as referred to in decision 1/CP.18, paragraphs 34 and 35, on the coordination of support for the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70;

11. Takes note of the estimated budgetary implications of the activities to be undertaken by the secretariat pursuant to paragraph 6 above;

12. Requests that the actions of the secretariat called for in this decision be undertaken subject to the availability of financial resources.

* This decision forms part of the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus. For more information, see document FCCC/CP/2013/10, paragraph 44.

Decision 11/CP.19*

Modalities for national forest monitoring systems

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decisions 2/CP.13, 4/CP.15, 1/CP.16, 2/CP.17 and 12/CP.17,

1. Affirms that, consistent with decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71, the activities referred to in this decision are undertaken in the context of the provision of adequate and predictable support, including financial resources and technical and technological support to developing country Parties;

2. Decides that the development of Parties’ national forest monitoring systems for the monitoring and reporting of the activities,1 as referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, with, if appropriate, subnational monitoring and reporting as an interim measure, should take into account the guidance provided in decision 4/CP.15 and be guided by the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change guidance and guidelines, as adopted or encouraged by the Conference of the Parties, as appropriate, as a basis for estimating anthropogenic forest-related greenhouse gas emissions by sources, and removals by sinks, forest carbon stocks, and forest carbon stock and forest-area changes;

3. Also decides that robust national forest monitoring systems should provide data and information that are transparent, consistent over time, and are suitable for measuring, reporting and verifying anthropogenic forest-related emissions by sources and removals by sinks, forest carbon stocks, and forest carbon stock and forest-area changes resulting from the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, taking into account paragraph 71(b) and (c) consistent with guidance on measuring, reporting and verifying nationally appropriate mitigation actions by developing country Parties agreed by the Conference of the Parties, taking into account methodological guidance in accordance with decision 4/CP.15;

4. Further decides that national forest monitoring systems, with, if appropriate, subnational monitoring and reporting as an interim measure as referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71(c), and in decision 4/CP.15, paragraph 1(d) should:

Build upon existing systems, as appropriate;

Enable the assessment of different types of forest in the country, including natural forest, as defined by the Party;

Be flexible and allow for improvement;

Reflect, as appropriate, the phased approach as referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 73 and 74;

5. Acknowledges that Parties’ national forest monitoring systems may provide, as appropriate, relevant information for national systems for the provision of information on how safeguards in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, are addressed and respected.
10th plenary meeting
22 November 2013

* This decision forms part of the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus. For more information, see document FCCC/CP/2013/10, paragraph 44.
1 As per decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, Parties undertake activities as deemed appropriate by each Party with their respective capabilities and national circumstances, noting that significant pools and/or activities should not be excluded.

Decision 12/CP.19*

The timing and the frequency of presentations of the summary of information on how all the safeguards referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, are being addressed and respected

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decisions 17/CP.8, 1/CP.16, 2/CP.17 and 12/CP.17,

Also recalling, in particular, decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 5,

1. Reiterates that according to decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 3, developing country Parties undertaking the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, should provide a summary of information on how all of the safeguards referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, are being addressed and respected throughout the implementation of the activities;

2. Also reiterates that according to decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 4, the summary of information referred to in paragraph 1 above should be provided periodically and be included in national communications, or communication channels agreed by the Conference of the Parties;

3. Agrees that the summary of information referred to in paragraph 1 above could also be provided, on a voluntary basis, via the web platform on the UNFCCC website;1

4. Decides that developing country Parties should start providing the summary of information referred to in paragraph 1 above in their national communication or communication channel, including via the web platform of the UNFCCC, taking into account paragraph 3 above, after the start of the implementation of activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70;

5. Also decides that the frequency of subsequent presentations of the summary of information as referred to in paragraph 2 above should be consistent with the provisions for submissions of national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention and, on a voluntary basis, via the web platform on the UNFCCC website.10th plenary meeting
22 November 2013

* This decision forms part of the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus. For more information, see document FCCC/CP/2013/10, paragraph 44.1 <http://unfccc.int/redd>.

Decision 13/CP.19*

Guidelines and procedures for the technical assessment of submissions from Parties on proposed forest r

The Conference of the Parties,

Reaffirming that, in the context of the provision of adequate and predictable support to developing country Parties, Parties should collectively aim to slow, halt and reverse forest cover and carbon loss, in accordance with national circumstances, consistent with the ultimate objective of the Convention, as stated in its Article 2,

Noting the urgent need for enhanced training for developing country Parties in the assessment of forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels,

Recalling the provisions of decisions 4/CP.15, 1/CP.16 and 12/CP.17,

Also recalling that in accordance with decision 2/CP.17, paragraphs 66 and 67, both appropriate market-based approaches and non-market-based approaches could be developed to support the results-based actions by developing country Parties referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 73,

1. Decides that each submission referred to in decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 13, shall be subject to a technical assessment;

3. Adopts the guidelines and procedures for the technical assessment of submissions from Parties on forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels contained in the annex;

4. Requests the secretariat to prepare a synthesis report on the technical assessment process, for consideration by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice after the first year of technical assessments;

5. Invites Parties, in particular developing country Parties, and, as appropriate, intergovernmental organizations to nominate technical experts with the relevant qualifications to the UNFCCC roster of experts;

6. Also invites Parties, in particular developed country Parties, and relevant international organizations to support capacity-building in relation to the development and assessment of forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels, taking into account the work of the Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention;

7. Takes note of the estimated budgetary implications of the activities to be undertaken by the secretariat as referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4 above;

8. Requests that the actions of the secretariat called for in this decision be undertaken subject to the availability of financial resources.

* This decision forms part of the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus. For more information, see document FCCC/CP/2013/10, paragraph 44.

To assess the degree to which information provided by Parties is in accordance with the guidelines for submissions of information on forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels contained in the annex to decision 12/CP.17 for the construction of the forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels;

To offer a facilitative, non-intrusive, technical exchange of information on the construction of forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels with a view to supporting the capacity of developing country Parties for the construction and future improvements, as appropriate, of their forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels, subject to national capabilities and policy.

Scope

2. The technical assessment of the data, methodologies, and procedures used by the developing country Party under assessment in the construction of its forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level in accordance with decision 12/CP.17, chapter II, and its annex, will assess the following:

The extent to which the forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level maintains consistency with corresponding anthropogenic forest-related greenhouse gas emissions by sources and removals by sinks as contained in the national greenhouse gas inventories;

How historical data have been taken into account in the establishment of the forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level;

The extent to which the information provided was transparent, complete,1 consistent and accurate, including methodological information, description of data sets, approaches, methods, models, if applicable, and assumptions used and whether the forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels are national or cover less than the entire national territory of forest area;

Whether a description of relevant policies and plans has been provided, as appropriate;

Pools and gases, and activities included in the forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level, and justification of why omitted pools and/or activities were deemed not significant;

Whether the definition of forest used in the construction of the forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level has been provided and, if it is different from the one used in the national greenhouse gas inventory or from the one reported to other international organizations, why and how the definition used was chosen;

Whether assumptions about future changes to domestic policies have been included in the construction of the forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level;

The extent to which the forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level value is consistent with the information and descriptions provided by the Party.

3. As part of the technical assessment process, areas for technical improvement may be identified and these areas and capacity-building needs for the construction of future forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels may be noted by the Party concerned

4. The assessment team shall refrain from making any judgment on domestic policies taken into account in the construction of forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels.

Procedures for technical assessment

General procedures

5. Each submission will be technically assessed by an assessment team in accordance with the procedures and time frames established in these guidelines.

6. Each assessment team will conduct a thorough and comprehensive assessment of the submitted forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level and will prepare a report under its collective responsibility.

7. The technical assessment process will be coordinated by the secretariat. The assessment team will be composed of land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) experts selected from the UNFCCC roster of experts. Participating experts will serve in their personal capacity and will be neither nationals of the Party undergoing the technical assessment nor funded by that Party.

8. In order to facilitate the secretariat's work, each Party should confirm to the secretariat, who their active experts on the LULUCF roster of experts are who will be able to participate in the technical assessment of forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels.
Composition of the assessment team

9. The secretariat shall ensure a balanced representation of LULUCF experts from developing and developed countries. The Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention may nominate one of its experts from a developing country Party with relevant expertise to participate in the technical assessment as an observer. Each submission shall be assessed by two LULUCF experts selected from the UNFCCC roster of experts, one from a developed country and one from a developing country.

Timing

10. Assessment sessions will be organized once a year. Submissions received no later than 10 weeks ahead of a session will be assessed at that session. The assessment sessions will take place in Bonn, Germany.

11. The secretariat should forward all relevant information to the assessment team at least eight weeks before the start of the assessment session.

12. Prior to the assessment session, the assessment team should identify any preliminary issues requiring clarifications from the Party, as appropriate.

13. The Party that submitted the forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level may interact with the assessment team during the assessment of its submission to provide clarification and additional information to facilitate the assessment by the assessment team.

14. The assessment team may seek additional clarifications from the Party no later than one week following the assessment session. This may result in the provision of technical inputs to the Party on the construction of its forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level. The Party is to provide clarifications to the assessment team no later than eight weeks following the request. As a result of the facilitative process referred to above, the Party may modify its submitted forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level in response to the technical inputs of the assessment team.

15. In the event that the Party modifies its submitted forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level in response to the technical inputs of the assessment team, the assessment team will consider this information within four weeks from the submission of the modified forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level.

16. The assessment team will prepare a draft report and make it available to the Party no later than 12 weeks3 following the assessment session. The report should include a short summary.

17. The Party will have 12 weeks to respond to the draft report of the assessment team.

18. The assessment team will prepare a final report within four weeks following the Party’s response and the report will be sent to the secretariat for publication via the web platform on the UNFCCC website.4 The report should contain an assessed forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level and, if appropriate, areas identified for further technical improvement, and capacity-building needs if noted by the Party concerned, for the construction of future forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels, incorporating the Party’s response.10th plenary meeting
22 November 2013

1 Complete here means the provision of information that allows for the reconstruction of the forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels.2 Decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 10.3 In the case that a Party modifies its submitted forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level in accordance with paragraph 15, this period will be extended to no later than 16 weeks.4 <http://unfccc.int/redd>.

Decision 14/CP.19*

Modalities for measuring, reporting and verifying

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decisions 2/CP.13, 4/CP.15, 1/CP.16, 2/CP.17 and 12/CP.17,

Also recalling the relevant provisions of decisions 17/CP.8 and 2/CP.17 related to the provision of support for reporting,

1. Decides that measuring, reporting and verifying anthropogenic forest-related emissions by sources and removals by sinks, forest carbon stocks, and forest carbon stock and forest-area changes resulting from the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, taking into account paragraph 71(b) and (c) of that decision, is to be consistent with the methodological guidance provided in decision 4/CP.15, and any guidance on the measurement, reporting and verification of nationally appropriate mitigation actions by developing country Parties as agreed by the Conference of the Parties, and in accordance with any future relevant decisions of the Conference of the Parties;

2. Recognizes the need to develop capacities for measuring, reporting and verifying anthropogenic forest-related emissions by sources and removals by sinks, forest carbon stocks, and forest carbon stock and forest-area changes resulting from the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70;

3. Decides that the data and information used by Parties in the estimation of anthropogenic forest-related emissions by sources and removals by sinks, forest carbon stocks, and forest carbon stock and forest-area changes, as appropriate to the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, undertaken by Parties, should be transparent, and consistent over time and with the established forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels in accordance with decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71(b) and (c) and chapter II of decision 12/CP.17;

4. Agrees that, consistent with decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 7, the results of the implementation by Parties of the activities1 referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, measured against the forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels should be expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year;

5. Encourages Parties to improve the data and methodologies used over time, while maintaining consistency with the established or, as appropriate, updated, forest reference emission levels and/or forest reference levels in accordance with decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71(b) and (c);

6. Decides that, consistent with decision 1/CP.16 and decision 2/CP.17, annex III, the data and information referred to in paragraph 3 above should be provided through the biennial update reports by Parties, taking into consideration the additional flexibility given to the least developed countries and small island developing States;

7. Requests developing country Parties seeking to obtain and receive payments for results-based actions, when submitting the data and information referred to in paragraph 3 above, through the biennial update reports, to supply a technical annex as per decision 2/CP.17, annex III, paragraph 19;

8. Underlines that the submission of the technical annex referred to in paragraph 7 above is voluntary and in the context of results-based payments;

9. Decides that the data and information provided in the technical annex referred to in paragraph 7 above shall be consistent with decisions 4/CP.15 and 12/CP.17 and follow the guidelines provided in the annex;

10. Also decides that, upon the request of the developing country Party seeking to obtain and receive payments for results-based actions, two land use, land-use change and forestry experts from the UNFCCC roster of experts, one each from a developing country and a developed country Party, will be included among the members selected for the technical team of experts;

11. Further decides that, as part of the technical analysis referred to in decision 2/CP.17, annex IV, paragraph 4, the technical team of experts shall analyse the extent to which:

There is consistency in methodologies, definitions, comprehensiveness and the information provided between the assessed reference level and the results of the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70;

The data and information provided in the technical annex is transparent, consistent, complete2 and accurate;

The data and information provided in the technical annex is consistent with the guidelines referred to in paragraph 9 above;

The results are accurate, to the extent possible;

12. Decides that the Party that submitted the technical annex may interact with the technical team of experts during the analysis of its technical annex to provide clarifications and additional information to facilitate the analysis by the technical team of experts;

13. Also decides that the two land use, land-use change and forestry experts referred to in paragraph 10 above may seek clarifications on the technical annex referred to in paragraph 7 above and that the Party should provide clarifications to the extent possible, in accordance with national circumstances and taking into account national capabilities;

14. Agrees that the land use, land-use change and forestry experts referred to in paragraph 10 above will develop, under their collective responsibility, a technical report to be published by the secretariat via the web platform on the UNFCCC website,3 containing:

Any comments and/or responses by the Party concerned, including areas for further improvement and capacity-building needs, if noted by the Party concerned, as appropriate;

15. Also agrees that results-based actions that may be eligible to appropriate market-based approaches that could be developed by the Conference of the Parties, as per decision 2/CP.17, paragraph 66, may be subject to any further specific modalities for verification consistent with any relevant decision of the Conference of the Parties.

* This decision forms part of the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus. For more information, see document FCCC/CP/2013/10, paragraph 44.
1 As per decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, a Party undertakes activities as deemed appropriate by it and in accordance with its respective capabilities and national circumstances, noting that significant pools and/or activities should not be excluded.
2 Complete means here the provision of information that allows for the reconstruction of the results.
3 <http://unfccc.int/redd>.

Annex

Guidelines for elements to be included in the technical annex referred to in decision 14/CP.19, paragraph 7

3. Demonstration that the methodologies used to produce the results referred to in paragraph 2 above are consistent with those used to establish the assessed forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level.

4. A description of national forest monitoring systems and the institutional roles and responsibilities for measuring, reporting and verifying the results.

5. Necessary information that allows for the reconstruction of the results.

6. A description of how the elements contained in decision 4/CP.15, paragraph 1(c) and (d), have been taken into account.10th plenary meeting
22 November 2013

Decision 15/CP.19*

Addressing the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decisions 2/CP.13, 1/CP.16 and 2/CP.17,

Noting the complexity of the problem, different national circumstances and the multiple drivers of deforestation and forest degradation,

Also noting that livelihoods may be dependent on activities related to drivers of deforestation and forest degradation and that addressing these drivers may have an economic cost and implications for domestic resources,

1. Reaffirms the importance of addressing drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in the context of the development and implementation of national strategies and action plans by developing country Parties, as referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 72 and 76;

2. Recognizes that drivers of deforestation and forest degradation have many causes, and that actions to address these drivers are unique to countries’ national circumstances, capacities and capabilities;

3. Encourages Parties, organizations and the private sector to take action to reduce the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation;

4. Also encourages all Parties, relevant organizations, and the private sector and other stakeholders, to continue their work to address drivers of deforestation and forest degradation and to share the results of their work on this matter, including via the web platform on the UNFCCC website;1

5. Further encourages developing country Parties to take note of the information from ongoing and existing work on addressing the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation by developing country Parties and relevant organizations and stakeholders.10th plenary meeting
22 November 2013

* This decision forms part of the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus. For more information, see document FCCC/CP/2013/10, paragraph 44.1 <http://unfccc.int/redd>.

Decision 16/CP.21

Alternative policy approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decisions 2/CP.17, paragraph 67, and 1/CP.18, paragraph 39,

1. Notes that methodological aspects related to non-market-based approaches as referred to in decision 1/CP.18, paragraph 39, have been addressed by decisions 9/CP.19 to 15/CP.19;

2. Also notes the references to alternative policy approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests, as referred to in decision 9/CP.19, and the need to provide clarity on such approaches as per this decision;

3. Acknowledges that alternative policy approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests, are subject to the methodological guidance contained in decision 4/CP.15, paragraph 1, as well as the guidance on safeguards and on systems for providing information on how the safeguards are being addressed and respected when addressing issues related to the reduction of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks;

4. Recognizes that alternative policy approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests, are one of the alternatives to results-based payments, as referred to in decision 9/CP.19, that may contribute to the long-term sustainability of the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70;

5. Decides that developing country Parties seeking to receive support for the design and implementation of alternative policy approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests, may consider the following elements:

(a) Development of national strategies or action plans for the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, in order to support the integral and sustainable management of forests;

(b) Identification of support needs, including financial resources and technical and technological support;

(c) Development of proposals demonstrating how alternative policy approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests, are contributing to the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70;

(d) Consideration of outcomes and areas of improvement in accordance with national circumstances by using adaptive management and learning, as appropriate;

6. Notes that the financing entities referred to in decision 9/CP.19, paragraph 5, are encouraged to continue to provide financial resources, including through the wide variety of sources referred to in decision 2/CP.17, paragraph 65, for alternative policy approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests;

7. Invites Parties that want to implement alternative policy approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests, to support the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, to share information via the web platform on the UNFCCC website;1

8. Decides to conclude its consideration of alternative policy approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests, in the context of decision 1/CP.18, paragraph 39.

10th plenary meeting10 December 2015

1 <http://unfccc.int/4531>.

Decision 17/CP.21

Further guidance on ensuring transparency, consistency, comprehensiveness and

Noting that the implementation of the safeguards referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, and the information provided on how these safeguards are being addressed and respected should take into account national circumstances and respective capabilities and recognize national sovereignty and legislation and relevant international obligations and agreements,

Recalling the importance and necessity of adequate and predictable financial and technical support for developing all of the elements referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71,

Also recalling that the monitoring and reporting of emissions displacement at the national level is agreed separately in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 71(c),

1. Reiterates that, in accordance with decision 12/CP.17, paragraphs 1 and 3, developing country Parties undertaking the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, should provide a summary of information on how all the safeguards referred to in decision 1/CP.16, appendix I, are being addressed and respected throughout the implementation of those activities;

2. Also reiterates that the summary of information referred to in paragraph 1 above should be provided periodically, in accordance with decisions 12/CP.17 and 12/CP.19;

3. Notes that information on how all the safeguards are being addressed and respected should be provided in a way that ensures transparency, consistency, comprehensiveness and effectiveness;

4. Decides that developing country Parties should provide information on which activity or activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, are included in the summary of information referred to in paragraph 1 above, taking into account decision 12/CP.17, paragraphs 1 and 3, and decision 9/CP.19, paragraph 4;

5. Strongly encourages developing country Parties, when providing the summary of information referred to in paragraph 1 above, to include the following elements, where appropriate:

(a) Information on national circumstances relevant to addressing and respecting the safeguards;

(b) A description of each safeguard in accordance with national circumstances;

(c) A description of existing systems and processes relevant to addressing and respecting safeguards, including the information systems referred to in decision 12/CP.17, in accordance with national circumstances;

(d) Information on how each of the safeguards has been addressed and respected, in accordance with national circumstances;

6. Encourages developing country Parties to provide any other relevant information on the safeguards in the summary of information referred to in paragraph 1 above;

7. Also encourages developing country Parties to improve the information provided in the summary of information referred to in paragraph 1 above, taking into account the stepwise approach;

8. Decides that there is no need for further guidance pursuant to decision 12/CP.17, paragraph 6, to ensure transparency, consistency, comprehensiveness and effectiveness when informing on how all the safeguards are being addressed and respected.

10th plenary meeting
10 December 2015

Decision 18/CP.21

Methodological issues related to non-carbon benefits resulting from the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decisions 1/CP.16, 1/CP.18 and 9/CP.19, paragraph 22,

Reaffirming the importance of incentivizing non-carbon benefits for the long-term sustainability of the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, recognized in decision 9/CP.19, paragraph 22,

Recognizing that multiple non-carbon benefits associated with the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, can contribute to adaptation,

1. Recognizes that non-carbon benefits associated with the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, are unique to countries’ national circumstances, in accordance with national sovereignty, legislation, policies and priorities;

2. Also recognizes that, in line with their national circumstances and capabilities, developing country Parties seeking support for the integration of non-carbon benefits into activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, with a view to contributing to the long-term sustainability of those activities, may provide information addressing, inter alia, the nature, scale and importance of the non-carbon benefits;

3. Encourages developing country Parties to share the information referred to in paragraph 2 above via the web platform on the UNFCCC website;1

4. Invites interested developing country Parties to communicate the information referred to in paragraph 2 above for consideration by interested Parties and relevant financing entities, as appropriate;

5. Decides that methodological issues related to non-carbon benefits resulting from the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70, do not constitute a requirement for developing country Parties seeking to receive support for the implementation of the actions and activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16 or results-based payments pursuant to decision 9/CP.19;

6. Agrees to conclude at this session the work on methodological issues related to non-carbon benefits from the implementation of the activities referred to in decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 70.